Exhibition at Villa Paloma, Monaco

The exhibition “Les Années folles de Coco Chanel” at Villa Paloma, Monaco, running from June 19 to early October 2025, offers more than a biographical view of the legendary designer’s life and work. It is built around complex connections between fashion, art, culture, and history that shaped her unique style and influence.

Curated by Célia Bernasconi, the show brings together over 200 pieces, including 30 original Chanel garments and accessories, 40 artworks by renowned artists such as Picasso, Delaunay, Cocteau, and rare vintage photographs by Man Ray, Edward Steichen, and others.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is the exploration of Chanel’s interactions with prominent artists and figures of her time. For example, there are photographs and works by Kees van Dongen, a key figure of the Parisian avant-garde, displayed alongside original portraits and artworks, illustrating their artistic dialogue.
The exhibition also emphasizes Chanel’s relationship with Pablo Picasso through her creation of stage costumes for the Ballets Russes, notably for Olga Khokhlova, who’s Picasso’s first wife, who was of Ukrainian descent. This fact is culturally significant as it highlights a Ukrainian connection in global art history. Another important Ukrainian-born artist featured is Sonia Delaunay, whose textile designs are presented in the exhibition. Her innovative work had a direct influence on Chanel’s creations, as her style inspired the creative director of textiles at Chanel, also showcased here.